The Commentary of Hierocles upon the Golden Verses of Pythagoras

who died about the year four hundred and thirty-four, twenty-four years after our author was born. We know little more of HIEROCLES, till he came and settled at Alexandria, the resort, at that time, of all the men of genius and letters in the world. That famous school was for some time on its decline, when he appeared there; but, by the force of his philosophy and eloquence, he soon restored it to its former lustre and reputation. According to Damascius, who flourished a little after him, and whose words are preserved by Suidas, he rendered the school of Alexandria so famous, that the youth, from all parts, assembled there to attend his philosophical lectures, and were charmed, beyond measure, with the sublimity of his sentiments, and the elegance of his expression, joined to the dignity of his life and manners, so that he was universally esteemed as another PLATO. It was during that time, that, in all probability,